Blog

Stainless steel crowns are also known as "silver" crowns. These types of crowns are used to restore teeth that are badly damaged, usually from decay or trauma. Stainless steel crowns are silver in color and do not contain any metal, making them non-toxic.

Why are Stainless Steel Crowns used on Children’s Teeth?

Stainless Steel Crowns can last a lifetime, making them a great investment for pediatric dentistry patients. If a primary (baby) tooth is lost prematurely due to tooth decay, then the surrounding teeth may shift into the empty space and cause orthodontic problems in the future. A Stainless Steel Crown can also protect a developing permanent tooth. If your child is missing a permanent first molar, we can place a Stainless Steel Crown on the baby tooth to protect it until the baby tooth falls out naturally. Once the adult tooth is ready to erupt, the crown will have fallen out and your child can continue with his or her normal routine.

What are Stainless Steel Crowns made of?

Stainless Steel Crowns are made of a chromium, nickel and steel alloy. They are very durable and strong. They are also resistant to corrosion, which means they do not stain easily. Therefore, Stainless Steel Crowns have the ability to withstand chewing and biting forces. They are ideal for pediatric dentistry as they can be cleaned thoroughly and easily. For these reasons, they are often only used on posterior teeth when the tooth has a lot of fillings or decay on the visible surface, or when esthetics is not as important than function and health of the tooth.

Stainless Steel Crowns are durable, safe, and easy to maintain. The material is non-porous, so bacteria cannot get into the tooth to cause decay or infection. Stainless Steel Crowns are ideal for children who have had extensive cavities replaced or need protection due to an uneven bite. The material is strong and can withstand chewing from an active child without chipping or breaking. The crown does not discolor like resin. It can also be used with children who take seizure medications. The metal is not affected by the medication and will not cause a negative reaction.

When are Stainless Steel Crowns used?

Stainless Steel Crowns are most commonly used for baby teeth since they are low risk and highly durable. Baby teeth are important because they help the child eat and speak properly. They hold the space in the jaw for the permanent adult teeth to come in so it is important to keep them healthy until they are ready to come out on their own.

To reduce the risk of decay forming around the your child’s dental crown, you’ll need to brush their teeth twice each day with a fluoride toothpaste. Flossing once per day also goes a long way towards removing food particles that can become stuck between their teeth and gums and cause cavities to form. And be sure to schedule regular cleanings and checkups with your child’s dentist so they stay proactive about the health of their gums and teeth. These appointments will help catch tooth decay and other oral health issues in their earliest stages to keep them from spreading and becoming more serious.

Call our office today at (825) 467-8888 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Nguyen! We are located at 4224 Gateway Blvd NW Edmonton, AB. We are open regular business hours including Monday evenings and select Saturdays.